Report : Mohammed Khader Navas

Sharjah : The Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Fann Media Art Organization has issued an administrative decision to promote Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi to the Director General of Fann Organization. Concurrently, in her capacity as the Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation, She has issued another administrative decision to promote Mariam Mohammed Al Hammadi to the Director General of The Big Heart Foundation. These appointments are effective as of November 1, 2023.
Leading Children and Youth in Media Arts
Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi embarked on her professional journey at the age of nineteen, in fields such as education and public relations. Armed with a bachelor's degree in English language and literature, her passion for the fine arts aided in the development of Fann, an institution dedicated to nurturing the artistic talents of emerging generations in media arts and cinema, which has significantly bolstered the organization’s regional and global presence through the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth, which started in 2013, the first children film festival in the UAE and the region and features high-quality films for young audiences worldwide. It consistently attracts a distinguished group of media and cinema experts, facilitating specialized workshops in filmmaking, photography, and more, as Sheikha Jawaher recognizes the prominent role visual storytelling plays in presenting the youth’s visions, ideas, and viewpoints to the world, and changing the prevailing concepts among people in light of the remarkable growth in digital transformation.

Al Qasimi occupies a key position on the Board of Directors of the Friends of Cancer Patients Association. She was actively involved in several other committees and councils, including her membership in the UNICEF Leadership Circle, dedicated to advocating for the rights of children worldwide. She was also a member of the Arab Film Institute, an organization committed to nurturing and empowering Arab talent in the field of film and media, allowing them to share the stories of their communities authentically.

Visionary Leadership at The Big Heart Foundation
The appointment of Mariam Mohammed Al Hammadi underscores the steadfast commitment of the Emirate of Sharjah and The Big Heart Foundation to their humanitarian and developmental missions. Mariam's leadership in advancing humanitarian efforts and enhancing their objectives is pivotal in amplifying their impact and ensuring their successful achievement.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting and beginning her career at Emirates Airlines, Al Hammadi embarked on an unconventional career path. She transitioned from the financial sector to the realm of humanitarian and development work when she was appointed Assistant Director of the 'Salam Ya Seghar' campaign in 2012. This campaign was initiated by Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi to support Palestinian children affected by war.

After two years of continuous effort and thanks to her leadership skills in directing and managing humanitarian and development projects in communities affected by crises and disasters, Al Hammadi was appointed as the Director of the 'Salam Ya Seghar' campaign, which later evolved into The Big Heart Foundation—an organization dedicated to providing assistance to refugees and the disadvantaged on a global scale. Under her leadership, the Foundation's projects have had a positive impact on over 4 million beneficiaries across 25 countries. These efforts encompass various humanitarian sectors, including education, healthcare, and emergency relief support. The Foundation has also exemplified the true essence of sustainable charitable work, aiming to enhance the lives of vulnerable communities in the long term.